Drivers often want to jump out of their vehicles after a collision and start doing things like clearing up the mess or taking some action. It’s only natural since it’s inside our nature to act when something bad happens. But there are certain things drivers should avoid doing after any crash on the road. These actions could be detrimental for everyone involved, including yourself. Attorneys Cohen & Winters represent car accident victims who have been injured in an accident at no fault of their own. In the State of New Hampshire, any motor vehicle accident causing death, personal injury, or combined vehicle/property damage in excess of $1,000.00 must be reported in writing to the NH DMV within 15 days. You can’t undo what you’ve done once you get out of your vehicle, so here are things you should never do after a crash:
Don’t leave the scene of an accident
Leaving a crash without exchanging information with the other driver, or at least noting down their details, is illegal, and it’s more dangerous for everyone involved. So don’t just drive away from a crash, thinking you’ll deal with insurance companies later. Do what needs to be done by talking to all relevant parties there. Remember that someone may have taken down your license plate number before Labor Day weekend.
Don’t attempt to clean up your mess
Unless necessary; drivers should avoid getting out of their vehicles after a collision as doing so could distract them from dealing with any serious damage they’ve received as well as concentrating on the road.
Don’t admit fault
Even if you know you’re at fault for causing a crash, there’s no need to acknowledge it when the police arrive or in your report with the insurance company. Most drivers have lapses in judgment from time to time, and being humble about a mistake is always best.
Don’t share personal information with the other driver
In case of an accident, everyone involved is usually worried about their safety and not concerned with what the other person is doing. So it’s important not to fall for this trap and find out what they’re up to before sharing personal details like addresses or phone numbers.
Don’t panic. It’s perfectly natural to be upset about being in a crash, and you may feel like you’re losing control of your emotions. Don’t worry: this is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. If the situation becomes too overwhelming, it might help to ask for help from a bystander or call someone to talk things through with you—make sure that person won’t drive distracted as well!
Don’t immediately refuse medical attention.
Even if there are no apparent injuries after an accident, you could still need care later on down the road. If possible, don’t delay treatment because you feel fine or want to save money; otherwise, those symptoms might come back to haunt you once they become worse than before and require more extensive attention.
If your car was damaged in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could file a claim to recover those costs with your insurer. If you have questions and need help after an auto accident, Contact Us Today to speak with our victims can also be found at car accident lawyers in Bedford NH. 603-836-9823.
You can’t undo what you’ve done once you get out of your vehicle, so here are things you should never do after a crash:
